This product is no longer available. Please choose another vintage above.
Chateau Montelena - Chardonnay 2015
- Producer Chateau Montelena
- Country USA
- Region California
- Appellation Napa Valley
- UPC 7 33555 35132 6
Tasting notes
Nose: e ripeness of the vintage is readily apparent as pineapple and stone fruit burst from the glass during the first pour. Fresh melon, along with cinnamon, nutmeg and myriad of baking spices follow suit as the wine begins to warm and its aromatic opulence comes into focus.
Palate: While the toasty barrel character sets the stage for richness and depth, take the time to enjoy the beautiful interplay between the crisp, fresh orange zest and ginger notes and how they interact with the creaminess and texture from sur lees aging.
Finish: e texture of the midpalate seamlessly overlays the dense, concentrated finish, punctuated by baked apple, vanilla, and a hint of white pepper.
Palate: While the toasty barrel character sets the stage for richness and depth, take the time to enjoy the beautiful interplay between the crisp, fresh orange zest and ginger notes and how they interact with the creaminess and texture from sur lees aging.
Finish: e texture of the midpalate seamlessly overlays the dense, concentrated finish, punctuated by baked apple, vanilla, and a hint of white pepper.
Introduction
Growing Chardonnay during the 2015 vintage perfectly illustrates the importance of patience. I have no idea ifRousseau was thinking of vineyards and wine when he remarked that "patience is bitter, but its fruits are sweet." Even if that wasn’t the case, his quip couldn’t be more applicable as we reflect on a growing season that was simultaneously
challenging but also incredibly rewarding. As temperatures rose in August, and the temptation to panic began to grip many growers in the Valley, we recognized an amazing opportunity to pivot and embrace the ripe, tropical character that would slowly creep into our Chardonnay with some judicious hangtime, careful farming, and utmost patience.
Foremost in our minds though, remained the need to balance these incredible aromas and flavors with the vibrant acidity that makes our Chardonnay ageable. While I wouldn’t say our scheme wasn’t without risk, the result of our composure, grit, and a little bit of luck is nothing short of rich and delicious.
Technical data
HARVEST DATES: August 19 – September 8
ALCOHOL: 13.6%
BLEND: 100% Chardonnay
BARREL AGING: 10 months in French Oak
BOTTLING DATE: July 22 – August 1, 2016
RELEASE DATE: Fall 2017
ALCOHOL: 13.6%
BLEND: 100% Chardonnay
BARREL AGING: 10 months in French Oak
BOTTLING DATE: July 22 – August 1, 2016
RELEASE DATE: Fall 2017
Vintage weather
Despite some early, sizable winter storms, the beginning of the 2015 growing season turned mild and dry prompting early budbreak in the vineyards. A light crop, resulting from a rather blustery April and May, soaked up the sun during a picture perfect Napa Valley summer. Harvesting began in mid-August as the temperatures began to warm and dry-breezes from the desert pressed us into action.